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    Arsenal promote 17-year-old wonderkid Lino Sousa to first-team ahead of Europa League clash with FC Zurich

    ARSENAL have promoted Lino Sousa to their first-team squad ahead of their Europa League clash with FC Zurich.The 17-year-old, who is part Brazilian, trained with Mikel Arteta’s senior squad earlier today.
    Teen ace Lino Sousa is set to travel with Arsenal to FC Zurich for the Europa League clashCredit: Getty
    And now The Athletic claims that he will travel to Switzerland for tomorrow’s match.
    The left-back moved to Arsenal from West Brom in January and has made an instant impression at youth level.
    He broke straight into Kevin Betsy’s U23 side and then travelled to Germany with them in pre-season under new coach Mehmet Ali after Betsy left for Crawley Town.
    The ace has continued to make a big impact this term with the Gunners and Ali has already sung the teen’s praises.
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    He said: “We always look at the players’ attributes, what they’re really good at and try to make their strengths super-strengths to help them stand out.
    “Lino is a player that is very comfortable on the ball and because of that we sometimes give him licence to come inside the pitch to get the ball to feet and then try and serve (the ball in) effective and dangerous areas.
    “Also we want to show his ability to get forward and sometimes go on the outside to get crosses into the box.
    “But most importantly, Lino needs to remember what his job is as a defender, which is stopping crosses, protecting the far post and winning his defensive duels.”
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    Arsenal head to Zurich looking to bounce back from their first defeat of the season.
    They still sit top of the Premier League after winning their opening five matches.
    But they lost their 100 per cent record when they were beaten 3-1 at Manchester United on Sunday. More

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    How Man Utd could line up for Europa League opener against Real Sociedad with Cristiano Ronaldo set to return to team

    MANCHESTER UNITED are set to ring the changes for tomorrow’s Europa League opener against Real Sociedad.And Erik ten Hag could axe up to TEN stars as he looks to rotate his confident team.
    Cristiano Ronaldo is hoping to start for Man Utd against Real SociedadCredit: Getty
    The Red Devils are enjoying an upturn in form after a disastrous start to the new season.
    Sunday’s 3-1 win over Arsenal was their fourth successive victory in the Premier League.
    And Ten Hag will be hoping to keep the good times rolling as United kick off their continental campaign against Sociedad.
    But with numerous players pushing for starts, there could just be one player retaining their side in tomorrow’s XI.
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    Starting in goal, ex-Newcastle ace Martin Dubravka could come in ahead of David De Gea for his debut.
    Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Luke Shaw are set to replace Diogo Dalot and Tyrell Malacia on the defensive flanks.
    It should also see Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof come in for Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez at centre-back.
    As for midfield, Casemiro is nailed on for his first start ahead of Scott McTominay.
    United’s possible XI against Soceidad
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    An alternative United XI
    Fred and Donny van de Beek could also play ahead of Christian Eriksen and Bruno Fernandes.
    In attack, Anthony Elanga and Cristiano Ronaldo are pushing to oust Marcus Rashford and Jadon Sancho from the side.
    And with Anthony Martial still nursing an injury, it means Antony is likely to be the only survivor from Arsenal after netting on his debut.

    However, Ten Hag may think changing almost his entire team could disrupt the cohesion he’s been building over the past few weeks.
    And instead, the Dutchman could prefer to make just five or six changes to his side. More

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    How Arsenal could line up against FC Zurich in Europa League as Arteta looks to bounce back after Man Utd defeat

    MIKEL ARTETA is expected to ring the changes for Arsenal’s Europa League group stage opener against FC Zurich away in Switzerland on Thursday.The Gunners are looking to get back to winning ways after they suffered their first defeat of the season at the hands of Manchester United on Sunday.
    This is how Arsenal could start against FC Zurich in the Europa League on Thursday
    And the North London outfit are hoping for a perfect start as they return to Europe for the first time since the 2020-21 campaign.
    Looking ahead to Sunday’s clash against Everton where anything but three points will be unacceptable, a host of key players should be rested against Zurich.
    This will give Arteta the chance to throw in some of his summer signings, with two new arrivals in line for their debuts.
    Meanwhile a number of players including the likes of Eddie Nketiah and Takehiro Tomiyasu should be named in the starting XI for the first time this term.
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    Here Sunsport takes a look at how Arsenal could line up at Letzigrund.
    American goalkeeper and lifelong Arsenal fan Matt Turner is set to make his first appearance for the club after joining from New England Revolution.
    The 28-year-old, who has been on the bench for every game so far, was brought in to be Aaron Ramsdale’s back-up.
    Japanese ace Tomiyasu could then get the nod at right-back ahead of White, with the ex-Brighton man to move into his favoured centre-back slot.
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    Gabriel could then partner the England international in the heart of defence, with Kieran Tierney to start ahead Oleksandr Zinchenko at left-back.
    Arsenal have been hit by injuries to defensive midfielders Thomas Partey and Mohamed Elneny in recent weeks.
    And their lack of cover will likely see Albert Sambi Lokonga retain his place in the starting XI.
    Granit Xhaka may also start alongside Fabio Vieira, who is sure to be given his full debut at the expense of Martin Odegaard.

    Emile Smith Rowe would then start ahead of left winger Gabriel Martinelli, but only if he is passed fit after appearing to pull up injured in Arsenal’s warm-down at Old Trafford.
    And with Bukayo Saka in need of a rest, Brazilian starlet Marquinhos may feature on the opposite flank having starred for the Under-21s following his arrival from Sao Paulo.
    Eddie Nketiah would then be tasked with leading the line in place of Gabriel Jesus up top.
    This is another way of how the Gunners could line up away in Switzerland More

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    Man Utd vs Real Sociedad: Live stream, TV channel, team news and kick-off time for Europa League clash

    MANCHESTER UNITED return to European action this Thursday against Real Sociedad – and its not a Champions League fixture.The Red Devils’ seventh place finish last season has resulted in them featuring in the 2022/23 Europa League campaign.
    Manchester United beat bitter rivals Arsenal 3-1 in a thrilling contestCredit: Getty
    United brushed aside Real Sociedad in a round of 32 Europa League tie in 2021Credit: Reuters
    But they’ll believe that they can go all the way having already beaten the other favourites in this competition Arsenal on the weekend.
    And Erik Ten Hag’s new methods seem to be clicking with the team as United have now won their last four consecutive games after such a dreadful start.
    However, United need to get through their group first and stubborn Spanish outfit Real Sociedad could prove to be tricky customers.
    What time does Man Utd vs Real Sociedad kick off?

    Manchester United entertain Real Sociedad on Thursday, September 8.
    It is scheduled to kick off at 8pm UK time
    Old Trafford in Manchester will be the allocated arena for this match and it can host around 74,879 spectators.
    United got the better of Sociedad in a round of 32 tie during the 2020/21 Europa League campaign.

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    What TV channel is Man Utd vs Real Sociedad on and can I live stream it?

    Manchester United vs Real Sociedad will be broadcasted LIVE on BT Sport 1 in the UK.
    Coverage is set to commence from 7:15pm UK time – 45 minutes before kick-off.
    Subscription holders of BT Sport have the option to stream the entire action live on the BT Sport website or BT Sport app.

    Team news
    Erik Ten Hag could be tempted to rest Lisandro Martinez and Marcus Rashford following their early withdrawals in the win against Arsenal.
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    The out-of-favour duo of Donny Van de Beek and Aaron Wan-Bissaka will need assessing before the match.
    Whilst Anthony Martial still remains side-lined for the foreseeable future.
    However, the Manchester United boss could finally promote Cristiano Ronaldo, Harry Maguire and Casemiro to the starting eleven.
    Elsewhere, Real Sociedad boss Imanol Alguacil will be spoilt for choice as everyone is fit and raring to go for this huge contest against Manchester United.
    Latest odds

    Man Utd to win 8/13
    Draw 3/1
    Real Sociedad to win 4/1

    *Odds courtesy of Betfair are correct at time of publication More

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    Zurich vs Arsenal: Live stream, TV channel, team news and kick-off time for Europa League clash

    ARSENAL make their return to European football with a tough opening group game against Swiss champions FC Zurich this Thursday.The Gunners will be determined to put the disappointing 3-1 loss to Manchester United behind them.
    Arsenal suffered their first loss of the season at the hands of Manchester UnitedCredit: Rex
    Where Antony’s debut strike followed by Marcus Rashford’s double saw the North London’s 100% record go up in smoke last weekend.
    However, Zurich are having some problems of their own as they are still waiting on a their first league win this season.
    Plus, Mikel Arteta’s side have a phenomenal record during the group stages of the Europa League.
    What time does Zurich vs Arsenal kick off?

    FC Zurich will be rolling out the red carpet for Arsenal on Thursday, September 8.
    It is scheduled to kick off at 5:45pm UK time – 6:45pm local time.
    Stadion Letzigrund in Zurich, Switzerland is the allocated arena for this match and it can hold around 30,930 supporters.
    Arsenal and Zurich are set to go toe-to-toe for the first time in history.

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    What TV channel is Zurich vs Arsenal on and can I live stream it?

    FC Zurich vs Arsenal will be broadcasted LIVE on BT Sport 2 in the UK.
    Pre-match build up is set to commence from 5:15pm UK time – 30 minutes before kick-off.
    Subscription holders of BT Sport have the option to stream the entire action live on the BT Sport website or BT Sport app.

    Team news
    Zurich head coach Franco Foda is expected to have a well-stocked side for their big contest against Arsenal.
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    However, Foda will have to continue without centre-half Ilan Sauter and Shaktar Donetsk loanee Bogdan Viunnyk who are both unavailable through injury.
    Elsewhere, Arsenal remain light in the midfield with Thomas Partey and Mohamed Elneny still in the treatment room whilst Reiss Nelson is going through his recovery process.
    But Mikel Arteta has been delivered a fresh blow ahead of the Gunners’ Europa League return as Emile Smith Rowe sustained an injury in the Manchester United loss warm-down.
    Latest odds

    FC Zurich to win 17/2
    Draw 5/1
    Arsenal to win 3/10

    *Odds courtesy of Betfair are correct at time of publication More

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    Arsenal confirm Europa League squad as Mikel Arteta hints at debuts for three youngsters including Marquinhos

    ARSENAL have confirmed their Europa League squad and it includes Marquinhos and three other potential debutants.The Gunners start their European adventure away to FC Zurich this Thursday.
    Arsenal fans are excited by the prospect of their new Brazilian wonderkid playing in the Europa LeagueCredit: Getty
    Marquinhos has been named in match day squads but hasn’t seen action yetCredit: Getty
    The squad of 24 players was revealed on the official Uefa website on Monday.
    And Brazilian wonderkid Marquinhos, 19 – whose debut fans are eagerly anticipating – is named on the list.
    He made 33 first team appearances during his time with Sao Paulo and was a part of the squad which won the Compeonato Paulista in 2021.
    Mikel Arteta and Edu began tracking Marquinhos several months before the summer window, after being alerted to his exploits in the Brazilian Serie A.
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    After forking out around £3million to acquire his services, Arteta may finally hand him some minutes in the Europa League.
    Youngsters Matt Smith and James Hillson are also included.
    American goalkeeper Matt Turner – also yet to appear for the North London club – is on the roster.
    The Gunners, who were the first team to be drawn, are in Group A alongside Zurich, Norwegian outfit Bodo/Glimt and PSV Eindhoven.
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    Due to the World Cup in November, the six matches are crammed into three blocks of back-to-back gameweeks.
    Those will be played on September 8, September 15, October 6, October 13, October 27 and November 3.
    The final will take place on Wednesday, May 31 next year at the Puskas Arena in Budapest.
    Here is Arsenal’s Europa League squad in full:
    Goalkeepers: Aaron Ramsdale, Matt Turner, James Hillson
    Defence: Ben White, Gabriel Magalhaes, William Saliba, Rob Holding, Cedric Soares, Takehiro Tomiyasu, Oleksandr Zinchenko, Kieran Tierney
    Midfield: Thomas Partey, Martin Odegaard, Fabio Vieira, Albert Sambi Lokonga, Mohamed Elneny, Granit Xhaka, Matt Smith
    Attack: Gabriel Jesus, Emile Smith Rowe, Gabriel Martinelli, Eddie Nketiah, Reiss Nelson, Marquinhos More

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    Man Utd confirm Europa League squad as Erik ten Hag omits Phil Jones and Brandon Williams after transfer spree

    MANCHESTER UNITED boss Erik ten Hag has selected his 25-man squad for the upcoming Europa League campaign.The Dutchman has picked a strong squad to compete in Uefa’s second tier competition, and he has a number of new faces to help bolster his chances of picking up silverware in his first season.
    Ten Hag has named his 25-man squad for the Europa LeagueCredit: Rex
    Man Utd veteran Jones has been left outCredit: Getty
    Experienced academy product Williams is also missing from the squadCredit: PA
    United backed Ten Hag in the summer transfer window to the tune of £216million.
    Ajax ace Antony and five-time Champions League winner Casemiro were the Red Devils’ marquee signings.
    However, with those new arrivals, old squad members have had to make way in the Europa League squad.
    United veteran Phil Jones has missed out on the 25-man squad, as has young full-back Brandon Williams.
    Jones, 30, has started two games in the last two years and has been largely unavailable through injury.
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    And Williams, 22, who spent last season on loan at Norwich, is yet to feature this term.
    Instead, two young players have been selected.
    Exciting talents Facundo Pellistri and Alejandro Garnacho have been chosen.
    United kick-start their Europa League campaign, a competition they won under Jose Mourinho, against Real Sociedad on Thursday.
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    Ten Hag’s men are also joined in Group E by FC Sheriff, a Moldovan team who managed to beat Real Madrid 2-1 at the Bernabeu in last season’s Champions League group stages.
    Cypriot side Omonia complete the group. More

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    Man Utd face showdown with City legend David Silva as Red Devils get Real Sociedad, Sheriff and Omonia in Europa League

    MANCHESTER UNITED will face old enemy David Silva after they landed Real Sociedad in the Europa League group stage.Erik ten Hag’s side will also take on Sheriff Tiraspol and Omonoia in Group E – meaning huge amounts of travel.
    United face Real Sociedad, Sheriff and Omonoia in Group E of the Europa League
    Ten Hag’s stars will be hoping to put poor Premier League form behind them in EuropeCredit: Alamy
    The full draw shows Arsenal and other giants in the competition
    A trip to the Basque Country region of Spain to battle Sociedad and their ex-City magician Silva is the highlight of the group.
    Cypriot team Omonoia are managed by ex-Leicester midfielder Neil Lennon and may prove a test.

    That will also involve a 4,200 mile round trip.
    Moldovan outfit Sheriff – who famously beat Real Madrid last season – round out the group and will see United travel 3,600 miles.
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    Manchester United will be desperate to find their best form before long – and some European wins could bring much-needed confidence.
    Due to the World Cup in November, the six matches are crammed into three blocks of back-to-back gameweeks.
    Those will be played on September 8 and 15, October 6 and 13 then October 27 and November 3.
    The Puskas Arena in Hungary will play host to next year’s final on May 31.
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    After finishing sixth in the Prem, the giants find themselves back on a gruelling Thursday-Sunday schedule as they look to fight their way through Europe’s secondary competition again.
    A run to the final in 2021 saw a heartbreaking final loss to Villarreal.
    David de Gea missed the decisive penalty to hand the LaLiga side the trophy.
    On the very same date United partied in 1999 when they won the Champions League and the Treble, it all fell flat in 22 years later.
    Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s men only had themselves to blame for not finishing the game off during the second half.
    Last term saw the Red Devils temporarily back in the Champions League.
    Their dreams were left in tatters when they were stunned at Old Trafford as Atletico Madrid edged through the last-16.
    United have signed four players so far this summer – Christian Eriksen, Tyrell Malacia, Lisandro Martinez and Casemiro.
    They started the campaign in woeful fashion, losing 2-1 to Brighton before being humiliated in a 4-0 loss to Brentford.
    But they showed signs of life on Monday night in a 2-1 win over Liverpool, a result that will give them confidence heading to St Mary’s this weekend where they take on Southampton. More